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Topic: Correspondence with New Yorker editor: next step?
| Author | Message |
| jesseileen | Posted – 8/13/2006 2:10:17 PM | show profile I'm in my final year of college, and last semester a senior editor at the New Yorker spoke to one of my classes. Recently, I emailed him about the magazine's famed fact-checking positions. The editor was warm and receptive, but I'm aware that most fact-checkers come from blue blood universities and are typically well-versed in two or more subjects and languages. The editor hasn't asked for my resume, but he did ask when I graduate (December.) What should I do next? Is it better to send off my resume unsolicited? Or should I inquire about internships, which are a tad more within my reach? Any other tips? |
| catfish | Posted – 8/16/2006 11:55:44 PM | show profile | email poster Good question - blue blood universities I'm eager to see how more experienced MBers respond to your question. One thing working for you is a trend of news stories on colleges, specifically, the overlooked talent from less well-known universities, and the outdated rating systems based on such factors as alumnae salaries. Not sure how you could work that into your cover letter, but it's just something to quell your doubts if nothing else. You could also read Malcom Gladwell's essay Getting In: the social logic of ivy league admissions. http://www.newyorker.com/critics/atlarge/articles/051010crat_atlarge A friend of mine graduated with a bachelors from a non-ranked Nevada University and was admitted to Harvard Business School. A big part of the application was his essay emphasizing he'd be one of the first UNLV grads to blaze a trail to the Ivy League. Sorry for blabbing but I come from a non-blue blood university and frequently confront this very situation. And yes I would definitely ask about internships - I don't think that's selling yourself short. Going for something more within your reach may put you in a confident state of mind, and help you ace the interview. Let us know what happens! |
| jesseileen | Posted – 9/23/2006 5:49:17 PM | show profile Update It turns out that only students can do an internship, and I'm graduating soon. However, the editor invited me to pay him a visit the next time I'm in NY! We're actually meeting in October. I'm obviously aware that this isn't an interview, and yet I know I should proceed as if it were. ANy advice on how to work this contact? |
| xyz | Posted – 9/26/2006 4:55:07 PM | show profile You should absolutely treat this as an interview. If you have already been in contact with this person, and you have a definite meeting set up there is no reason that you shouldn't casually submit your resume in advance. Simply drop the person an email and mention that you would be interested in any beginning positions that open up either at the New Yorker or elsewhere. When I go to interview I always bring a hard copy of my resume even if I've already emailed it, as well as samples of my work. They may not ask to see it, but you should always have it with you just in case. I've been freelancing in the photo dept of magazines for a few years now and I get most of my work through word of mouth. There may not be an opening at the New Yorker, but it's possible that this editor will pass along your resume to someone else. Good luck and remember that even editors at big fancy magazines are just people too. Well, most of them. |
| clare04 | Posted – 9/26/2006 5:02:29 PM | show profile ..... I think you got some stellar advice. However, I actually think you should not treat it like an interview. It's a meeting and it's a very exciting prospect. I would not email the resume in advance but bring a paper copy and some samples with you - but see how the meeting plays out as you go. You can always send it on. Don't do too much thinking about it in advance and don't see it as the "make or break opp" of a lifetime that will shape your fate. It's not. Be relaxed and be yourself and good luck. |
| ocicat | Posted – 9/26/2006 11:26:23 PM | show profile I agree with both of the above posters - but I'd go in as prepared as possible. This is what I have learned from my many meetings: A) I would learn everything possible about the New Yorker, as well as know your favorite writers, your favorite stories (and why they are your faves), research this editor's background and others. This way you can get to B) which is to come in prepared with a bunch of good questions about how to get to where you want to be and what to expect from that job. And I would write the questions down - if you get nervous and forget, you can just glance at your notes. It's an amazing opportunity (well done!) and many other soon-to-be-grads would die for this kind of face time so know what you want from the meeting before going in. And there's no shame in being ambitious with your goals! (Maybe you could even ask to meet someone at the fact checking department to find out more about that job, if you think it'll be appropriate at the time) |
| JaneSays | Posted – 9/27/2006 3:31:38 PM | show profile | email poster You've gotten some great advice here but I would agree that you should not mail your resume prior. This editor obviously sees something in you but unless he has asked for the resume I would guess he wants to get to know you better (in a professional sense). I had a similar situation where I arrived at a lunch meeting in a suit and offered my resume right off the bat. Stupid, lame... whatever... the woman was good-natured but firm that she preferred get to know me better and see what I was about. At the end of the meal she ended up asking for my resume, however, and helping me out immensely. Having had a similar experience (to a lesser extent) I would say follow Clare04?s advice: be prepared but enjoy yourself and don?t make this poor guy feel like nothing but a means to an end. I would, however, also be prepared for an opportunity should it arise: be professional and be prepared with a resume, clips and a thorough knowledge of the New Yorker. If a question of your resume or work never comes up or quite fits into the conversation, end the meeting by asking if this editor would give you feedback on your resume and your work experience and what he might suggest you do to build a career. New Yorker job or not it sounds like a door is open for a great friendship/mentorship. He sounds like a super guy; I hope you appreciate that. |
| arewrites | Posted – 9/27/2006 11:33:17 PM | show profile Pixel is absolutely right. Don't hang all over this guy in a "what have you done for me lately" pantsuit. He probably gets that at every single social function he attends. Do NOT send a resume. I wouldn't even bring one. Just go. Talk to him. Tell him what your goals are. Ask him what his were when he got out of school. Ask him about his career. Answer any of his questions. (This, of course, assumes that his suggestion that you get together wasn't simply a polite gesture on his part.) If he wants a resume, send it to him when you get home, with a thank you note. This is a *person here. Be respectful of that. |
